It's Good Friday! Thank you Jesus!

Fashion- Over the last few months I have been enjoying a fashion trend service known as Stitch Fix. This service asks a ton of questions about size, likes, dislikes, and even allows you to pin things to a Pinterest board in order for a stylist to get a visual of things you are drawn to.  I received a "fix" as it is called yesterday, and am absolutely amazed at the things they send.  It is a service that sends you five pieces and you keep what you like and pay for those items only and send the ones you don't like back.  It was recommended to me by a friend at work at I think I like it more for the fun and surprise than I do the clothes.  I sadly had to open my box by myself yesterday. I say sadly because this is something I usually do with my forever friends, which I have blogged about.  So far I am also extremely impressed with this company's customer service.  So hats off to "Stitch Fix".

Fitness- Well day 3 of the 21 Day Fix is almost done.  Today was leg day with workouts.  I'm not sure if I will be able to walk tomorrow.  These videos are intense, but the trainer is so nice that she makes you want to keep going.  She makes you want to give all you got and just a little more.  I actually thought I might vomit today, which is fun that I normally reserve for running.  I'm also enjoying my FitBit.  It has been very interesting for me to see how active I really am compared to how active I think I am.  I'm also very intrigued by the sleep tracker.  I hope to get a better understanding of my sleep cycles so I can wake up rested each morning.

Faith-
Proverbs 5:15-23- These verses discuss the idea of lifelong companionship with your spouse.  They talk about how you should always look to each other to fulfill any wants or needs rather than thinking of looking to someone or something else.  I feel that I have truly been blessed with a husband that thinks of our marriage as a team that works together always. We haven't always been the finely tuned machine that we are today, but we wouldn't be where we are if we didn't struggle at some point.

Mark 6:6-29- I'm not sure why my app asked me to read a passage which it had me read yesterday. These verses in Mark 6 specifically cover the death of John the Baptist, which was truly horrific in the way in which it went down.

Exodus 29-This chapter talks about the consecration of the priests.  WOW! Lots of blood.  I don't think public health laws today would approve of the requirements God put forth for consecration.  Blood all over the altar, the clothes, the priests makes me a little queasy not going to lie.  I must admit that this is something I'm glad is not part of today's faith.  I know I raise cattle for beef, but I don't slaughter them, and I can't imagine eating it once I've killed it.  It just goes away in a trailer and comes back in hamburger and steaks.

Exodus 30:1-38-This chapter gives instructions for more day to day running of the tabernacle.  God explains the expectation for the alter of incense, the basin for washing, the anointing oil, and the specific make up of the incense.  Is the basin for washing where the basin of Holy water comes into play in the Catholic faith?

Today is Friday.  But it isn't just any Friday.  It is Good Friday.  The day in which I give thanks that Jesus suffered on the cross, so that I would be forgiven.  Such a sacrifice made - "to save a wretch like me."  Obviously I know the best way in which to thank God, is to live a Godly life and to do it in such a way that others also want to live a Godly life, no because of what I say, but because of what I do.

What is my purpose?

As I am almost finished with another spring break, I have had a lot of down time to really think.  I will miss this intellectual time with myself in four more days, when school fills my head with so much stuff, that I can't think of anything else.  One of the things I am really wondering about is my purpose.  My point in going in to education was to be there for students that didn't have anyone else there for them, or to push a student to achieve something they didn't know they could do.  I loved seeing students learn and become passionate about a topic.  And just as much, I loved getting students excited about acting on stage or pushing their physical limits through cross country, track, and basketball.  I've been trying to do some cleaning this week and I found pictures of life with a purpose. Me with students at competitions or 5K races for fun. Me with students on field trips experiencing amazing things first hand.  Me with other teachers at my school taking on a group of seniors in some kind of competition to raise money for a charity.  What are my pictures now? As an administrator, I know I can still impact students, but it is on a broad level.  So back to purpose. What is mine?  What will my next ten years worth of photos show my purpose to be? I like my job.  I like the people I work with.  I'm just wondering how I can do more.........

Fitness
Day 2 of the 21 Day Fix and my body HURTS!  I'm taking one day at a time with this challenge, and hopefully in the end it will help me make smarter and healthier choices.  I decided it was time to tackle my closet and empty out all of the clothes from the days in which I was healthier.  WOW! What a shock to see that I cleaned out 75% of my closet.  I put these clothes in the vacuum seal bags to enjoy again when I decide that fitness is healthy and diet is not what gets to determine my mood!

Faith
Psalm 24:1-10-"The earth is the Lord's" I guess that means we should probably do a good job of taking care of it as it is not something which belongs to us.  I don't really think I have ever thought of it this way, but this Psalm makes a good point in that He made it and everything in it, so we should be conscientious of this in making decisions that impact this place.  This Psalm also sounds like a chant or song to me with its repetition toward the end.

Mark 5:21-43-This is more discussion of Jesus' healings.  It's interesting to me that he felt power leave him and it was when a woman touched his clothes.  The disciples pointed out that they were in a crowd with a lot of people, but those people didn't get "healed" as they were just crowded with Jesus.  This woman intentionally touched him because she had faith in him and his ability to heal her. He knew her faith and allowed the healing to happen.

Mark 6-How is it that a prophet is never honored in their hometown?  I struggle with this concept as I would like to think that the hometown people are the ones that would believe in you the most. However, through different things in life, I have seen this very concept play out and each an every time it baffles me.  Especially in a small town, which for the most part doesn't like change or people not from the small town.  Jesus' hometown of Nazareth was no different. He did small things because there were so man non believers that all of the miracles in the world couldn't have changed their minds.

Exodus 27- God is continuing with instructions for the tabernacle.  He talks about the altar for burn offerings as well as the courtyard.  One thing he  mentions, which I had never thought of was the use of olive oil in lamps.  I cook with olive oil, but never really contemplated adding it to an oil lamp for a source of light.  Obviously, it is oil and it will burn, I just never thought of olive oil for this use.

Exodus 28:1-43- This chapter then talks about the priest garments that will be worn in the tabernacle by the priest.  Of course as I am reading this, I am struggling with a mental picture, so I Googled it. Something which I do quite frequently.  Inquiry based learning is what we like to call it in education.

It's Spring Break!

Fitness: Today I started the 21 Day Fix.  This is a diet program that includes a fitness element. Today's workout was total body cardio and it kicked me in the booty.  I also started wearing my FitBit today.  Active April!  I believe tomorrow's workout is upper body, so that should just be snazzy!

Faith:
Psalm 23:1-6- The Lord is my shepherd.  Hmmm, I guess that means where he would lead me I should follow.  I know this is used at funerals a lot because it talks about walking through the valley of the shadow of death, but this time in reading it and just looking at the beginning of the Psalm, I really need to understand that I am being led in the right direction.  Any time I choose to do my own thing, it results in problems.  This is so bizarre because I know how upset I get when we are trying to herd the cows and get them into the barn or onto a trailer and my total frustration when they can do something simple like be led.  Thank you Psalm 23 for that nice little reality check.

Mark 4:30-41- Jesus continues to teach through parables.  One verse notes that this is how he teaches the people.  After the people have left he then explains the parables to the disciples.  What if the people don't understand?  I'm assuming the explanation can then come from a disciple.  Jesus goes out on the boats with the disciples and shows how even the winds and waves obey him.  More evidence for them to use to work against the doubters.

Mark 5:1-20- I'm amazed that people wouldn't want Jesus around when he is capable of ridding people of terrible sickness or demon possession.  Granted he killed an entire herd of pigs, which would have been someone's entire existence, but he healed one of their own.  I'm impressed that the healed man did exactly what Jesus asked him to do and go tell others what the Lord had done for him.

Exodus 25- This book begins the very explicit instructions for items in the tabernacle.  The items down to their measurements in this book are the Ark, Table and Lamp Stand.  These items not only had specific dimensions, but also specific materials required to make them.

Exodus 26:1-37- God continues to instruct Moses on tabernacle requirements.  This time he is instructing on what they tent, frame, and curtains should be made out of and look like.  His instructions are once again very direct in regards to measurements, materials, and color. The curtains separated different holy places within the tabernacle.  Only the most high priest could go behind the final curtain where God was to dwell.  

I had the opportunity over the weekend to go to my brother's house for a euchre party.  I grew up in a house where playing games was more common than not.  My brother taught me a lot of games.  I'm pretty sure he was the patient one that taught me euchre.  We could also be seen playing Monopoly on a regular basis.  Lots and lots of hours at the Monopoly board.  Great memories from growing up. It was nice to go and spend some time with other family (sister, sisters-in-law, and another brother) as well as meet some new people!  I didn't win the tournament, but I was close.  :)

My mom and I got to spend today together crafting.  I really enjoy that she has a "crafty" side to her and this is something we have in common that we can enjoy together.  We don't work on the same kinds of crafts most of the time, but we do have a good time when we get together.  Nine times out of ten (and today was no exception) she has to help me with something I'm working on because she has great ideas and good knot tying experience.  :) I hope by Saturday I can post a picture of an awesome project I'm working on for my family to see on Easter Sunday.  So exciting.....!

Proud Cubs Fan Since 2013!

Happy Happy Birthday to my FOREVER FRIEND SARAH!!  Sarah is an amazing woman who will always make time for you when you need it.  She is always there just to listen.  She is the one person that can be totally honest with me and I don't get offended! I'm so fortunate to have someone like Sarah in my life.  AND BOY OH BOY DO WE LAUGH!! I am 100% comfortable with being myself around this girl.  Pretty much amazing.  I can't wait to meet her little one coming soon to a hospital near us in September.  She WILL be an awe inspiring momma to her little one, I have no doubt! GO CUBS GO!

Psalm22:22-31-David is talking about how future generations would be effected by their parents and their parents' beliefs.  It is important to note that children believe more about what they see than what they hear. What can we do as a people to spread the word so that generations to come will continue to believe.  It seems that the Jewish population with their culture and traditions seem to be better equipped at handing down the history.  I would say the same is true for the catholic religion.  So is there something holy about tradition and routine?

Mark 3:31-35-Jesus mom and brother show up asking to see him. He make sure that everyone knows that they are in his family provided that they do God's will and believe.  It is still odd for me to think of Jesus having siblings.  As I look at the footnotes for this section, it debates as to whether or not Jesus had any half or step siblings.  I don't understand how the Bible is so detailed about certain things but cannot tell me if Mary had any other children for sure. It might have been his cousin??

Mark 4:1-29-Jesus tells the parable of the soils.  Jesus uses plain everyday analogies to make sure that people understand what it is he is trying to say.  He doesn't want our walk with God to be surface level, because that is easy for Satan to grab.  He doesn't want our walk to be without roots, because it too is easily taken.  Instead we need to tend to it, work the soil, water it daily, and make sure to do our best to keep the weeds out.

Exodus 23-The laws of justice and mercy are the first things to be outlined.  This is all about being honest, but doing so in such a way that it would never matter how much money you had.  You couldn't and shouldn't buy false testimony as well as deny justice to those without money.  God also explains the Sabbath laws.  The seventh day should be a day of rest so slaves, donkeys, and other animals of assistance can also rest.  God finished out this chapter by making it know that they should have no other God before him. This is one thing that seems to be a real deal breaker for him.  Understandably so, especially after all that he has done for these people.

Exodus 24:1-18-Part of this ritual was that of sprinkling blood from sacrifice.  These verses mention the covenant that God has made with his people.  I find it interesting that there are so many parallels and pieces of foreshadowing in the Old Testament to prepare people to understand the coming of God.

Well day four down and 62 to go.  I was able to Shred tonight while I cleaned 140 potatoes (in my dishwasher)for a baked potato bar lunch that I am helping to prepare for the staff and faculty at my school.  I'm really excited about our March Madness luncheon, because I will be spending some social time with my school family, but also because I will be wearing jeans to school, which is something that I RARELY do.  But I have to wear my favorite college t-shirt and show my support!

I hope she is enjoying herself!

I want to take a quick moment and wish my mom a happy birthday.  She is on a mission trip with her church doing God's work and spending her birthday with my dad and her friends.  I'm so fortunate to have this amazing woman as my mother.  She does everything she can to live a God centered life and always puts others first.  She has been a true example of what a wife should be.  She taught me to work hard and make sure people know they matter to me.  I love you mom for everything!  I am blessed to be able to call you my mom.

Day 3 down and 63 to go on my way to healthy (spiritually and physically).  Shredding again tonight felt good to do.  I'm hoping this weekend will see me adding my running back in.  I'm searching for a new run playlist and getting it put together.  Here's hoping for beautiful sun and no wind.  (I'm such a wimp) I was going to just jump right back into both and thought maybe I should get my legs used to Shred everyday before adding the running.

Proverbs 5:1-14-These verses are talking about prostitutes but also mention smooth talkers in relationship to how the prostitutes work.  I think it is interesting that the footnotes say you should steer clear of those who drip "honey" from their lips because they will lead you astray.  This is interesting to me, because I have been told quite frequently that you get more flies with honey that you do with vinegar.  My question is why do I want those flies, if I'm not being honest??

Mark 2:18-28-Jesus is once again condemned by the Pharisees for not being angry with people who choose to work on the Sabbath.  What Jesus explains to them is that God made the Sabbath day for man, not for himself.  He wanted to make sure and build in an opportunity to rest, but if people chose not to it wasn't disrespecting him.  This is once again where the concept of Old Testament law has not yet updated to the new testament. We do our best not to farm on Sundays, but the fact remains that you don't have a choice sometimes.  You have to make hay when the sun shines.....

Mark 3:1-30-In this section Jesus has to once agin convince those around him that he is in fact the son of God.  I find it interesting that even the disciples are slow to believe and struggle to come around on certain concepts.  With the Pharisees constant chatter in the background the doubt continues to be present.  Why is it so hard for people to believe the good??

Exodus 21-Now that we have the ten commandments, God is also explaining the rest of the rules to live by.  But this chapter is more than just the rules, it also includes the consequences for breaking those rules. I find it interesting that the "eye for an eye" verses are here.  This seems so barbaric, but when I read the footnote and look back at the chapter in its entirety, these consequences and gages for punishment were not meant for the individual. These were meant for the judges to consider when punishing a wrong. Most of the time when we hear this quoted, we are hearing it from someone who has been wronged and is choosing to take matters into their own hands.

Exodus 22:1-31-God continues to discuss "case law" as it applies to the idea of righting a wrong or restitution.  He gives some scenarios and explains how each situation should be handled.  God also discusses rules on social responsibility, the general how to treat those around you kind of rules.  He specifically notes that the widow or orphan shall be treated well.  His consequences for this mistreatment are quite harsh, showing us that we should have compassion on those less fortunate.

Wait St. Patrick's Color Was Blue??? WHAT?

Happy St. Patrick's day everyone.  I hope this finds all of you feeling lucky.  It must be your lucky day because I am blogging two days in a row.  2 down 64 to go and this will be an everyday easy habit.

I would have loved to have been able to work out this morning, but I had to be at work early to leave for a conference, so I waited until I got home.  And am I glad I did.  I don't know about all of you but traveling in a car for long distances doesn't really agree with me.  It usually leaves me either sick to my stomach or with a raging headache. Today's four hours of car time left me with a headache.  I came home and was looking forward to exercising as I had been sitting all day.  Through my first round of cardio, my right temple was about to explode, but as I finished Shred for the day, I feel the same and not worse.  This is just proof that not feeling well is just an excuse to not work out and not a reason.

Psalm 22:12-21- David is feeling as though he is under attack.  He describes a scene in which a man is degraded in every way possible.  BUT this scene seems eerily similar to the last days of Jesus' life. One of the things the footnote talks about is the absolute worse feeling anyone can have and that is the feeling of utter despair, without a penny and practically naked in front of everyone.  Of course I would have to agree with the footnote as I will not even put on a bathing suit....

Mark 1:29-45- Mark tells the story of Jesus healing the man with leprosy.  Jesus asked him to adhere to the laws by going to give a sacrifice. Jesus also asked the man not to say anything.  This man talked and of course Jesus could go no where but there wasn't someone there wanting his help.  I understand perfectly the man who talked to people.  Leprosy was and is still and horrifying disease. The sad consequences of such an ugly outward appearance and present in so much of the trouble we see with people today.  If I think back to Job and the ways his "friends" treated him when he got leprosy it just shows that many people have been judging books by the cover for many years!

Mark 2:1-17- Jesus heals a paralyzed man that is lowered to him on a mat in front of a crowd.  Of course the teachers were there and said that Jesus had no right to say this man's sins were forgiven, so Jesus had to show them he had the power of God flowing through him, which is why he cured the man.  He then went to dinner with the tax collectors and the teachers once again disapproved saying why does someone so righteous eat with sinners.  WHY? They are the ones that need a little Jesus in their lives the most.  Healthy people don't need a doctor as Jesus says. 

Exodus 19-God told Moses that he would appear at Mt Sinai and talk with him BUT the people were not to try to come up the mountain or they would be destroyed.  God wanted the Israelites to know that he picked them.  He wanted them to be his chosen people.  He wanted them to prosper throughout the world.  BUT the people were not to try to come up the mountain.  I have this fear that because it is said multiple times, that the next chapter of this book will only prove what has continuously happened throughout the Old Testament in that people do not listen.....I really hope I'm wrong.

Exodus 20:1-26-YAY! I'M WRONG! God spoke to them delivering the ten commandments. (and yes I kind of feel dumb that I didn't know the ten commandments were next. I've always known them, I just never knew the actual verses which they came from. Please don't be too disappointed) The people were terrified of God; they kept their distance; they agreed to listen to what he had commanded.  God also gave them instructions on how to build and altar and sacrifice to him.  Altars and traditions had to start somewhere.  No time better than after the commandment that thou shalt have no other gods before God.  

3 times longer than I thought.

When I originally started this journey, I read that it takes 21 days to make something a habit.  I was so excited when I went a few days over that mark, I was just sure that running/working out and reading the Bible daily would be a habit.  Well, as you all know I have lost that battle. However, I did some more research to find that a habit takes about 66 days.  So let's try this habit forming again and see how I do.  I guess step one was getting up at 4:06 this morning when my alarm went off, which I did in order to get Shred and Bible time in before school.

Psalm 22:1-11- David is struggling.  He needs to know that God is there during his suffering. People around him are treating him less than human telling him that his God will save him and making fun of him.  My footnotes say that this is not only the story of David's suffering but also the foreshadowing of Jesus' suffering.  The last verses talk about how God knows us even before we are born and after we die.  He cares about us and loves us through all of that time.  Pretty fascinating that I could be loved even before anyone here knew me.

Mark 1:1-28- The book of Mark reads very fast paced.  Things that Matthew talked about in great length, Mark covers in the first 28 verses.  Mark was not a disciple but it says that he knew Jesus as he accompanied Paul.  Mark talks about John the Baptist baptizing people and then baptizing Jesus as well as Jesus' beginning teaching.  These verses have some popular quotes verses in them.  "Come, I will make you fishers of men." and "You are my son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."  I find it interesting that the Bible puts the words of Jesus in red, but direct quotes from God are not signified in any significant color.  I wonder why?

Exodus 17-The Israelites were thirsty and once again were whining about why Moses had brought them out of Egypt.  It seems to me that this is the beginning of "it's never good enough" in the world. Moses took some elders up and brought water out of a rock in order to get the people drinks.  There was a clan of people that also came to fight the Israelites.  Moses, Aaron, and Hur went to the top of a mountain.  As long as Moses held the staff of God up in the air, Joshua was winning the battle. Moses became tired, but Aaron and Hur held his hands up until Joshua and the Israelites one the battle.  I don't think I have ever heard this story.  How interesting that Moses needed other believers to help him bring God to the battle.  This to me sounds like the reason that Jesus needed disciples.  Bringing more people to help bring God to the battle.

Exodus 18:1-28- Moses gets a visit from his father in law.  Moses at this time was acting as judge to all of the Israelites.  They would bring their arguments to him and then he would ask God's will and help end the argument.  Moses father in law told him that he was going to wear himself out and be less than effective. He encouraged Moses to assign other trustworthy men to be judges and lessen the burden of arguments on himself.  He heard the really tough cases, but the other men were judges in the simple things.

It's 5:10 and I am focused for the day.  I feel good knowing that half of my daily goal workout is completed. (I want to run at night.) And I feel a calm knowing that I began my day in God's word.  I hope this new method will keep me focused and on track.  I have two events at school tonight which will make me get home later than normal, but I won't feel like I've let myself down, because I've already accomplished some things this morning.